Indecision wracked Natalia. She knew this was her only chance of escape, but Stanislav was bleeding and drugged. The short guard was drawing back for another strike, and she let loose with an ice shard spell. The frozen darts flew across the tiny space, striking the man in the left arm and sending him tumbling backward. He hit the wall and slid to the floor, clutching his wounds.

Guards were banging on the outside of the door, but the ice held the portal tight.

"Hurry," Stanislav told her, "before they get wise and try the back door."

She turned, rushing from the room, her heart thumping in her chest. In her panic, the house became a maze and, for a moment, she struggled to make sense of it. Turning, she ran for the back door which loomed nearby.

Outside she went, to see a plain looking carriage, the driver upon the seat, whip at the ready. She piled into the back seat, and it immediately lurched forward, the driver's whip stirring the horses on. They careened down the back street, and Natalia sat up, peering out of the window to see one of her guards coming down the side of the house, a crossbow in hand. She let loose with a spell of ice shards, narrowly missing the man, but forcing him to dive for cover.

The carriage finally reached the end of the street, and then turned into the heavier traffic of the main road, disappearing into the streets of Karslev.

Draybourne

Autumn 1103 SR

Athgar had travelled six days to get this far, and he wondered, not for the last time, whether his destination would supply the answers he sought. Exiting the tree line, he could see the road beyond, a meandering path that led, inexorably, towards the great city of Draybourne, its dark stones standing in stark contrast to the green fields of the farms that surrounded it.

He made his way down the hill to join those already heading north, likely making their way to the city's markets. There were all sorts here, from farmers bringing their crops to town, to merchants from distant lands, eager to sell their wares. Athgar passed a cart, heavily laden with straw, that looked as if it might tip over at the slightest bump in the road. As they drew closer to the gatehouse, the traffic slowed.

Two immense towers loomed overhead, one on either side of the gate, far larger than any other building Athgar had ever seen. He stopped, staring up at them, wondering how they were constructed, until he felt someone push him gently, urging him forward.